LEISURE services in Liverpool were today (Wednesday, September 25) given only one star in a watchdog report which accuses the council of putting financial targets ahead of customer needs.

The investigation by the Audit Commission into services like swimming pools and leisure centres also claims there are "poor prospects" for improvement.

It rated the city's leisure services as "fair" but highlighted that the aims of the service are "too narrowly" focused on financial targets with not enough attention being paid to customer needs.

It also found that many facilities are in a poor condition and leisure services does not have sufficient information about what customers want.

Today Liverpool council's executive member for leisure services, Cllr Warren Bradley, said the report had come as no surprise to him.

But he insists that improvements have been made.

"We have an action plan to meet targets by December.

"Five years ago we would have received no stars. We have a long way to go but we have made improvements. We are investing money and have increased the number of users."

The report has, however, also highlighted a number of strengths, including the fact that there are a number of modern and refurbished facilities which offer a "good quality experience" with customer satisfaction rising.

It also highlights that staff have good access to training.

Labour's Cllr Oliver Martins claims the council is failing to reach the most vulnerable.

He said: "It would appear that the main aim of leisure services is to make money and not to address community needs.

"Young people in economically deprived areas are the ones which are being the hardest hit."

Helen Platts, the Audit Commission's inspector for the northern region, said: "The council has made some difficult decisions in modernising services and is committed to the indoor leisure service.

"The improvement plan is weak and does not address key issues.

"Plans for the next five years are unclear and some difficult decisions on leisure have not been taken."